The legendary musician, 73, who is known for mixing 60s, reggae, ska and rock tunes at venues across the UK, has been missing since July last year.

Officers believe there is enough evidence to say it is most likely the remains of missing Bristolian – Derek Serpell-Morris.

Det Ch Mathew Iddon said: "Earlier today we spoke with the family of Derek Serpell-Morris to inform them of this latest development.

"While we're not yet in a position to confirm the remains are of Derek, we strongly believe this to be the case due to personal items found at the scene."

A national appeal was launched after the OAP disappeared from his Bristol home.

When a walker discovered body parts in woodlands near Cribbs Causeway in Bristol at around 4.30pm on Thursday, DJ Derek's family feared the worst.

Dj Derek's great niece Jennifer Griffiths said: "As soon as I heard the news last night I was convinced it was him. I have spoken to the rest of the family and we all feel the same way."

BRISTOL POST

MISSING: DJ Derek vanished last July

She added: "He used to get the bus to Cribbs Causeway all the time.

"We always felt that he could of ended up around that area."

And Somerset and Avon Police said today it was likely the human remains are of the much-loved pensioner.

BRISTOL POST/SWNS.COM

PROBE: Police continue to investigate the discovery

Det Ch Insp Iddon of Avon and Somerset Police said: "This is a very distressing time for Derek's family who've been carrying out an exhaustive campaign to locate him and raise awareness of his disappearance and our thoughts are very much with them.

"We'll be keeping them fully updated and offering them any support they may need.

"We're not able to confirm any more details until the post-mortem examination and formal identification procedures have been carried out."

BRISTOL POST/SWNS.COM

GRUESOME: A member of the public found the human remains on a walk

The cause of death is being treated as unexplained and a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out by a Home Office pathologist.